Auction Closing: March 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Lot Number: 22
Estimate Range: $1,500 - $2,000
Ornate “Declaration of Independence” With Presidential Portrait Engraving of All U.S. Presidents to James Buchanan

Click an Image to Enlarge It
(DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE). 1859 Publication Date, Pre Civil War, "The Declaration of Independence and Portraits of the Presidents." Large Engraving featuring all the Presidents of the United States from Washington through Buchanan, Engraved and Printed by Illman & Sons, 603 Arch St. Philadelphia, Fine.

James Buchanan served as the 15th President of the United States, succeeding President Franklin Pierce, from March 4, 1857, to March 4, 1861. This Ornate Declaration of Independence Presidential Engraving measures about 16.25" wide x 22" tall having full wide outer margins. Printed in black on wove period paper, having several fine 1” edge splits in the outer margins barely touching the engraving, damp stains at the margins and some minor chipping of the extreme outer edges mostly at bottom. It would be improved with conservation and would appear appropriate for framing.

At lower center is the full text of the July 4th, 1776 Declaration, the text in a small script within an elaborate vine and floral borders. Facsimile signatures of all signers below, John Hancock’s being prominent at top center. This rarely encountered engraving features Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States from George Washington, shown at top, through Buchanan at bottom right. In tribute to George Washington an engraved vignette of As well flags, the American Eagle in a cartouche at top center, a vignette of the Washington family burial vault is seen at bottom center.

This design titled: "The Declaration of Independence and Portraits of the Presidents." In fine print at bottom reading: “Engraved and Printed by Illman & Sons, 603 Arch St. Phila(delphia”. Beside the Presidents, there is a large central engraving of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, After John Trumbull’s famous original painting as currently printed on the reverse of the U.S. $2 Bill. Overall, a respectable copy lacking in most all collections. See: Bidwell 30. Hart 597. HBS 69018.